Midway Show & Sale (aka Goodbye, Forrest!)

Between the county show and Midway show, so many things happened. There was much packing, a lot of stress, some tears and many changes in store. But, when the time came to say goodbye to our little buddy, we were all united...in a bit of melancholy.

I mean, y'all, look at him! Precious.

We tried to pretend all was going to be just fine while watching the chicken, lamb and pig shows. And even got in a few laughs at the old timers' show.

Taylor's sweet friend, Aija, and her mom came out to support her. And sweet A found a new love - rabbits!

Eventually it was Forrest's turn in the ring. And he was mostly compliant. :-)

But the big goal of the day is to sell your animal. And we were so thankful to have met one of the buyers - Jose from Italian Granite - a few minutes before it began. Because, friends, he paid well for the guy. And she also got a few add-ons (that we know of) in the process.

Someone was excited.

And, as the bids went up and up and up, she also stood up straighter and straighter and straighter. Even had a bit of sass about her before it was all over.

And the best news of all is that little Forrest didn't have to go on the meat market truck. Such. A. Blessing.

And, with that, we bid adieu to another livestock season. One that was not quite what we thought it would be and caused us to completely rethink what type of animal Taylor would be showing in future seasons.

But that's another story for another day. :-)

MCJLS '14

Yes, I'm about to blog about something that happened in February. Early February, even. But better late than never, right?

So we had a great time at the McLennan Junior Livestock Show again this year. In fact, it was even more fun because we weren't totally unsure of what we were doing and Tonto was able to join, which meant a whole lot less work on me.

We had a tiny babe with us this time around so I wasn't very good about picture taking. But it was totally worth it because said babe is a JOY. And, no, I can't say a whole lot more at the moment. But, oh, how I want to!

This pic was taken right before it was Forrest's turn to head into the ring on the second day. Let's just say that we had the same judge this year and he didn't like our breeder's goats any better the second time around. But that's perfectly ok. It is what it is. Goats are uber competitive. And we've actually made a switch in the type of livestock we're raising moving forward.

He's cute, huh?

Someone got REALLY attached to this year's "project," y'all. 

These girls. Love them so. They were exhausted. And delirious. And hilarious. And, yes, they were again wearing matching monogrammed fishing shirts. :-)

All in all, it was such a good couple of days. Life was crazy at that point as we were in the process of finding a new place to live while we build but I'm so glad we got this time together. Our barn family is super special. And we're so incredibly thankful for them.

This Crazy Busy Life

Y'all. Life is busy. Crazy busy. Mostly good. And moving at the speed of light. Wouldn't change it for anything in the world but it's definitely affecting my ability to find time to upload pics and blog. Clearly.

So here's a synopsis of the last 4-6 weeks.

Lots of chauffeuring this girl - and sometimes a friend or two - to church and other fun activities all around town.

We moved. It was an absolute nightmare. From beginning to end. But it's done and we're now in the house we'll be in until we build. Also, it's amazing how nice people are to you and how fabulous they believe you are...until they want to keep your $$. Just sayin'. But it's all good. :-)

Last night was the local ADDY awards and our team made our pretty well. Blessed to work with such talent.

Amidst the move, Taylor participated in the Midway Show and Sale. It was the last hurrah for this fella who is clearly in a food coma because Tonto decided he should be able to eat as much as he wanted after the show was over.

A very nice man from a local company purchased him at sale. He was very generous and it was a best case scenario for my girl. He was still at the barn until Tuesday but now he's moved on to the next phase of his journey.

And after moving and showing and selling, we spent last Sunday at our fifth volleyball tourney of the season. Three more left. Really like this group of girls. Really frustrated that so many let their kiddos drop out in the middle of the reason. Changes the dynamics and leaves you short at key positions. But Taylor enjoys it and that's all that really matters.

And, of course, she still makes me laugh. Every. Single. Day.